Dara O'Shea's seven roles show Stephen Kenny favours flexibility in Ireland squad

Dara O'Shea made his debut at left centre-back in a back four against Finland last October. For his next start, against Wales, O’Shea played at left full-back, then moved to right full-back when Bulgaria visited

Dara O'Shea during a Republic of Ireland training session at Estádio Algarve in Faro. Picutre: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

The sight of defender John Egan invading Portugal’s penalty area after 58 minutes in Faro on Wednesday night and nodding down Adam Idah’s cross for Aaron Connolly summed up the transformation in Ireland’s approach under Stephen Kenny.

First, because the chance was created in open play, and Egan had the freedom to add attacking impetus when he sensed an opportunity.